Client at 40 weeks gestation, in labor, electronic fetal heart rate monitor tracing
A nurse is observing the electronic fetal heart rate monitor tracing for a client who is at 40 weeks of gestation and is in labor. The nurse should suspect a problem with the umbilical cord when she observes which of the following patterns?
- A. Accelerations.
- B. Late decelerations.
- C. Variable decelerations.
- D. Early decelerations.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Variable decelerations indicate fetal hypoxia due to umbilical cord compression, requiring urgent intervention as they suggest the cord is trapped or twisted, impairing fetal oxygen supply.
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Primigravida client in second stage of labor, moaning and screaming, husband requests pain medication
A primigravida client in the second stage of labor has been moaning, screaming, and generally vocal throughout her labor. Her husband is distraught seeing his wife this way and asks the nurse for more pain medication for her. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. Assist the client with breathing and imagery techniques in an attempt to calm her down.
- B. Ask the client to describe the intensity of her pain on a scale of 0 to 10.
- C. Page the obstetrician to evaluate the client's pain, and administer an appropriate increase in her pain medication.
- D. Reassure the first-time father that his wife will be fine, and offer to stay with her while he takes a walk.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Assisting with breathing and imagery techniques provides nonpharmacological pain relief and supports the client's coping mechanisms, which is appropriate as vocalizing is a normal way to express pain during labor.
Newborns in nursery
A nurse receives handoff report. Which newborn should the nurse assess first?
- A. Glucose reading 58 mg/dL.
- B. Pulse 144 beats/minute.
- C. Respiratory rate 78 breaths/minute.
- D. Temperature 97.7° F (36.5° C).
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 78 breaths/minute indicates tachypnea, suggesting potential respiratory distress, which requires immediate assessment.
Laboring woman
The most appropriate time for the nurse to encourage a laboring woman to push is during
- A. the interval between contractions.
- B. whenever she feels the need.
- C. second-stage of labor.
- D. first-stage of labor.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The second stage of labor, when the cervix is fully dilated, is the appropriate time to push, as contractions are strong and effective for delivery.
Newborn, preventing heat loss
To prevent heat loss from convection in a newborn, which action by the nurse is best?
- A. Dry the baby after a bath.
- B. Wrap the baby in warmed blankets.
- C. Place the baby in a warmer.
- D. Move infant away from blowing fan.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Moving the infant away from a blowing fan directly prevents heat loss due to air movement, which is a key factor in convection.
Newborn, signs of diaphoresis, jitteriness, lethargy
A nurse is caring for a newborn and observes signs of diaphoresis, jitteriness, and lethargy. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Obtain blood glucose by heel stick.
- B. Initiate phototherapy.
- C. Monitor the newborn's blood pressure.
- D. Place the newborn in a radiant warmer.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: These symptoms suggest hypoglycemia, and obtaining a blood glucose level via heel stick is the priority to confirm and guide treatment.
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